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MTB and Cycling in Oisans |
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Season's events
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MTB and Cycling in Oisans |
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Season's events
Climbing
This fairly easy itinerary through the beautiful Lignarre valley is very popular among cyclists at the beginning of the season. The last few kilometres before you reach the pass are a little more strenuous than the rest of the itinerary, but are never too exhausting. This route is nice on a summer morning when the shade of the mountains keeps it fresh.
From Bourg-d’Oisans follow the RN91 towards Grenoble. After the second kilometre turn left and follow the D526 towards Valbonnais - la Mure - Col d’Ornon. You will reach the pass after 14 km. Then you can take a break at the chalet or the restaurant at the ski lift on the pass.
That little bit further
You can extend the tour by following itinerary no. 12, the ’Tour de la Morte’. Just add another 86 km. Or you can combine this route with itineraries no. 9 or 10.
L’Oisans and its 6 valleys: the Lignarre valley
This is one of the six valleys of l’Oisans. Its name comes from the Latin word ’lignum’ (wood). Even today, it still has lots of trees and you can find some very rare plant and animal species here, such as forest orchids and the lynx. This is a small corner of the mountains of "outstanding natural beauty"! This vast remote valley beneath the ridges of the Taillefer mountains once was the gateway to the South, so that products from Southern France, such as lavender, olive oil and wine were carried over the Col d’Ornon at 1367 m. People’s livelihoods consisted of cattle-breeding, silver mining and, until the 1970s, slate mining. The great transhumance would also cross this mountain pass until the 1960s, completing the journey from l’Oisans to Salon-de-Provence in 12 days.
"Cycling is more than a sport; it is a blessing for mankind." - Pierre Giffard
